NCIP, DOH tackle IP vaccine hesitancy

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is collaborating with the Department of Health to address vaccine hesitancy in indigenous peoples (IP) communities.

Pablito Gonzales, from the NCCA’s National Committee on Central Cultural Communities, noted that some IPs believe their cultural and spiritual practices can protect them from pandemics like COVID-19.

Gonzales stated that only 40% to 50% of IPs are estimated to be vaccinated against the coronavirus due to skepticism about the vaccines.

He emphasized that IPs have a belief in their indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices which they think can combat diseases such as COVID-19.